Researchers of Traditional, Complementary, Alternative, & Integrative Medicine and Health

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The Nexus Between Patient-Centered Care and Complementary Medicine: Allies in the Era of Chronic Disease?

Complementary medicine (CM) holds an established place of value for health care consumers around the world. Consumers seek CM specifically for the type of clinical care provided by CM practitioners, which is perceived as holistic and individualized. The holistic approach of CM has been described as patient-centered and there are indeed many parallels between the philosophy of holism and the paradigm of patient-centered care (PCC). In light of the contemporary movement toward PCC as a means of improving health care delivery, it is worth exploring CM as a potential existing resource of PCC.

Traditional Oriental Herbal Medicine and Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Traditional oriental herbal medicine (HM) is used by cancer patients to improve immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells are associated with development and progression of tumor and survival of cancer patients. This literature review examined randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in four electronic databases until October 2015 to evaluate the effects of oral HM on NK cells in cancer patients. Data were pooled and computed in a meta-analysis. The methodological quality was assessed according to the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Sixteen RCTs involving 1326 cancer patients were identified.

Patient Health Literacy and Patient-Physician Communication Regarding Complementary and Alternative Medicine Usage

In Japan many patients have chronic diseases and Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been drawing attention, but the relevant factors regarding patient–physician communication are still unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) disclosure, and examine the relationship of communicative and critical health literacy (HL) with patient–physician communication with regard to CAM in Japanese patients with chronic diseases.

Integrative Oncology Physician Consultations at a Comprehensive Cancer Center: Analysis of Demographic, Clinical and Patient Reported Outcomes

Integrative oncology (IO) is a relatively new field that seeks to bring evidence-based, non-conventional approaches into conventional oncology care in a coordinated and safe manner. Though complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are highly utilized by cancer patients, little is known about the characteristics of patients seeking IO consultation. Read more here.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Considerations for the Pharmacological Management of Elderly Patients

Complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) are widely used by patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, a significant proportion of these patients do not inform their physicians. This has many potential implications in a group of predominantly elderly patients with altered pharmacokinetics, comorbidities and polypharmacy of potentially toxic drugs. CAM usage may affect compliance and pharmacokinetics of conventional therapy for RA and comorbidities; therefore, physicians should engage patients in dialogues regarding CAM usage.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine Use by Children with Pain in the United States

Chronic pain is reported by 15-25% of children. Growing evidence from clinical samples suggests that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies are desired by families and may benefit some children with pain conditions. The objective of this study is to provide estimates of CAM use by children with pain in the United States. Read more here.

What Risks do Herbal Products Pose to the Australian community?

Traditional herbal products are widely used in Australia to treat a broad range of conditions and diseases. It is popularly believed that these products are safer than prescribed drugs. While many may be safe, it is worrying that the specific effects and harmful interactions of a number of their components with prescription medications is not well understood. Some traditional herbal preparations contain heavy metals and toxic chemicals, as well as naturally occurring organic toxins.

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for the Treatment of Bronchiolitis in Infants: A Systematic Review

Bronchiolitis is a common cause of hospitalization among infants. The limited effectiveness of conventional medication has prompted the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) as alternative or adjunctive therapy for the management of bronchiolitis. Read more here.

Fish Oil–Derived Fatty Acids in Pregnancy and Wheeze and Asthma in Offspring

Reduced intake of n−3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCPUFAs) may be a contributing factor to the increasing prevalence of wheezing disorders. We assessed the effect of supplementation with n−3 LCPUFAs in pregnant women on the risk of persistent wheeze and asthma in their offspring. Read more here.

A Review of the Antiviral Properties of Black Elder (Sambucus nigra L.) Products

Black elder (Sambucus nigra L.) has a long ethnobotanical history across many disparate cultures as a treatment for viral infection and is currently one of the most-used medicinal plants worldwide. Until recently, however, substantial scientific research concerning its antiviral properties has been lacking. Here, we evaluate the state of current scientific research concerning the use of elderberry extract and related products as antivirals, particularly in the treatment of influenza, as well as their safety and health impacts as dietary supplements.

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